33 Lob Haircuts For The Perfect In-Between Length
You know that phase when you're growing out your hair, and it gets too long for a bob but is too short for any other hairstyles? Or when you're trying to get a face-framing haircut but are afraid of cutting any inches more than necessary? The answer to this might be getting a lob haircut. A lob, or long bob, is a haircut where your hair ends anywhere between your chin and your shoulders or collarbones. Lobs are different from the traditional bobs, which are shorter and end between your ears and chin.
There are very few hairstyles as versatile as the lob. Because they end around the collarbone area, they allow a lot more hair movement and can be styled in so many different ways by adding colors, highlights, layers, and even angles. Also, the versatility of lobs makes them great for every face shape and hair type, so there's plenty of room for everyone with this haircut. For some inspo to take to your hairstylist, here are 33 long bob haircuts that are perfect for your hair's shoulder-length phase.
The fringe lob
A favorite among celebrities like Taylor Swift and Tiffany Haddish, the fringe lob is a combination of a long bob and a face-framing fringe. Fringe lobs can be wavy with the lob curled loosely to add more volume, or you can wear it with straightened hair. Your fringe can also be choppy or full to suit your face shape and give more character to your haircut. Whatever your choice, there's a variation of the fringe lob perfect for you.
Beachy waves
Lobs can be effortless, too. The beachy lob is great for that tousled, I-woke-up-like-this look and is a perfect haircut for the summer. The loose waves here can be messy and layered, containing highlights for a balayage or ombré effect, or be dyed into neon colors for some pop nostalgia.
Slicked-back
Face-framing haircuts are great, but a slicked-back hairstyle always gets the show on. Celebrities like Demi Lovato and Scarlett Johansson have rocked multiple red carpets wearing this lob haircut. Slicked-back lobs are great for when you don't have the time or energy to worry about framing your lob into some bangs or a fringe. You can also incorporate blunt ends into your slicked-back lob for a more dramatic look.
Curtain bangs
That's right: Curtain bangs aren't only for long hair. They're great for lobs too. The contrast in length between the curtain bangs and the rest of the lob is great for adding structure to your face. For this style, you can incorporate anything from highlights to blunt ends, like in the slicked-back lob.
Curly lob
Just because you have curly hair doesn't mean you can't rock a lob too. However, keep in mind that curly hair shrinks as it dries, which is why a curly lob is cut longer than a straight one. While a lob is a shorter hairstyle, it still allows you to showcase your curls. The right hairstylist for your curly hair will approach your lob with precision, ensuring they cut any necessary layers into it so that your curls naturally dry into the best shape. This makes a lob a very low-maintenance option for anyone with curls.
A-line
An angled lob is shortest at the back but gradually becomes longer in the parts close to the chin. Whether your hair is curly or straight, you can style this on all hair types and textures. From adding voluminous waves to keeping it sleek, angled lobs are great for adding definition and edge to your look.
Lots of layers
Layers are great on all hairstyles, and a lob is a perfect occasion to add lots of them. Your layers can be choppy, loose, shaggy, or smooth. A layered lob is perfect if you have thinner hair, as it adds more volume and definition to your hair. So, have fun with it by adding highlights, feathering out your layers, or getting some bangs to go along with it.
Middle part
A middle part lob — also known as a middy lob — is a trendy hairstyle that combines a medium-length lob with a center part. It offers a versatile look that suits various face shapes and hair textures. Plus, the middle part adds a chic and modern touch that is totally approved by Gen Z.
Go asymmetrical
Those who want a slightly bold and dramatic haircut should opt for an asymmetrical lob that is longer on one side and shorter on the other. This asymmetry adds a very dynamic element to the classic lob, and it can be customized to be as short or as long as you'd like. The contrast in lengths also allows you to rock two completely different looks at the same time.
Blunt cut
A blunt lob is a timeless and classic haircut perfect for anyone with naturally straight hair. While you can rock the same cut on wavy or curly hair, the bluntness of it will get lost in your hair's texture. The clean lines and straight-cut ends make a blunt lob polished and sophisticated, and all you need to do to style it is tame any frizziness or flyaways.
Shaggy
The shag has been trending for a couple of years now, bringing the '80s hairstyle back in a modern way. While a shag can be in various lengths, a shaggy lob is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to deal with long hair but still wants to have enough length to style it. The shaggy layers add movement, volume, and a playful vibe to your hair, making this cut a perfect choice for summer!
Simple and side-swept
The fashion and beauty trends of the early aughts are having a major comeback, so it's not surprising that side-swept bangs are trendy again. If you feel like a lob without bangs wouldn't suit you — but at the same time, you don't want to commit to classic bangs — getting soft, side-swept ones allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Half updo
Since a lob typically reaches shoulder length, it offers ample room to experiment with various hairstyles. A half-up, half-down hairstyle is a popular and playful option for those with a lob. Unlike a full updo, which may lead to hair falling out at the back due to shorter length, a half-updo is a convenient (and gorgeous!) alternative.
Braided lob
If you're rocking a stunning head of braids, you can still get your hair cut into a lob. Of course, the actual length of your hair will be slightly longer since braided hair shrinks, but this is something your hair stylist will already know. Depending on your preference, you can rock a braided lob with a middle or a side part.
Tousled and undone
A lob is a great haircut choice for those who love a messy, undone waves hairstyle. If you naturally have wavy hair, achieving the tousled look is super easy — all you need is some sea salt hairspray. If you don't have naturally wavy hair, you can use a heat tool or an overnight waving method to achieve that textured and undone look.
Money piece
Money piece hair is a decadent-sounding trend that allows you to explore a fun hair color without committing to dying all of your hair. If a classic lob is a tad bit too boring for you, consider spicing it up with a fun money piece in a color you love!
Pair your lob with wispy bangs
Bangs can elevate a lob, but there's no denying that having them cut often takes a lot of commitment. After all, bangs generally need to be styled daily, which definitely takes the low-maintenance lob to a slightly more time-consuming hairstyle. If you're still unsure whether bangs would suit your lob, opt for thin wispy ones that will give you the softness of having bangs while still blending in with your lob.
Sleek straight
A sleek straight lob without any bangs is a hairstyle that works best on those who already have naturally straight hair. To ensure the ends of your hair fall softly and frame your face, have your hairstylist take out some of the bulk at the bottom by thinning it out.
Choppy lob
Not everyone is going to love a blunt, straight-across-cut lob, and that is fine. Luckily, lobs are versatile enough so that there's a style that suits everyone. If you have fine or wavy hair, a great choice is a choppy lob with plenty of visible layers that add lots of movement and texture to your hair.
Micro bangs
Micro bangs aren't everyone's cup of tea, but there is no denying that they make a bold and daring haircut. Combined with a lob, micro bangs create an edgy and futuristic haircut that definitely won't go unnoticed. This hairstyle is a great choice for anyone who wants to make a statement with their hair.
Deep side part
While Gen Z is all about that middle part, millennials tend to prefer a subtle or deep side part. And with 2000s trends finding their way back, rocking a side part is actually trendy again. Luckily, a side part looks great with a lob, especially as it adds some asymmetry to the classic cut.
'90s vibes
If you're someone who loves the aesthetic of '90s grunge, a layered lob might be a great choice for you. Think of it as a shorter version of Rachel Green's iconic haircut in the popular '90s sitcom, "Friends" — a style you can easily rock undone and messy or polished and sleek. The best part about a lob like this is that it is very low maintenance.
Rock your lob with a headband
An easy way to have fun with a lob haircut is to rock it with a headband. A simple headband looks youthful and fun on a lob with bangs and can add some preppiness and dimension to a sleek lob. The best part about rocking a headband with a lob is that it's great for those days when your roots are a bit greasy as it covers them up.
Flipped ends
From Kim Kardashian to Hailey Bieber, numerous A-listers have been spotted rocking flipped-out ends recently, and this hair trend pairs exceptionally well with a lob haircut. Since a lob typically touches your shoulders, flipping the ends out creates a slightly shorter appearance while giving you that funky retro style.
Rainbow lob
Adding rainbow colors to a lob haircut is a certified way to add a vibrant and playful dose of fun to your everyday look. Whether you prefer subtle pastel hues or bold and vivid shades, the addition of rainbow colors instantly transforms a lob into a head-turning statement. Besides, playing around with colors allows you to showcase your personality and individuality.
Crimp it
You read that right: Hair crimping is back. Crimped hair will always add a fun element to any haircut, whether the crimps are tiny or big. Apart from that, crimping your hair adds lots of volume and texture to it, which is why this style is great for anyone with finer hair. And, of course, crimped waves add a touch of that nostalgic '80s and '90s style — so if you love that vibe, a crimped lob is a perfect choice for you.
Old Hollywood aesthetic
A voluminous lob with big curls is a timeless and glamorous hairstyle that pays homage to the classic elegance of the Old Hollywood era. A hairstyle like this can be recreated on a multitude of different lob haircuts to give them a touch of vintage allure and sophistication. Of course, this look isn't your everyday hairstyle, but it is a fantastic option for special occasions.
Perm your lob
Those who want a more permanent texture to their lob can always opt for a perm. A permed lob will give you those soft and bouncy curls that eventually turn into beachy waves. Perming your lob creates a fun and low-maintenance look; however, keep in mind that perms can damage your hair, so make sure to consult a hairstylist to see whether those are an option for you.
The mullet lob
A mullet hairstyle is definitely a showstopper, and not everyone can pull it off. With shorter layers in the front and longer layers in the back, a mullet lob creates that rebellious, rock-and-roll hairstyle perfect for anyone who wants to roll out of bed and have their hair look done. Yes — if you rock a mullet, you definitely want to embrace the natural messiness and texture.
Gemini lob
Gemini hair is another fun hair color trend that has been popular for a few years now. If a money piece is too simple for you, consider dying your hair in two different bold shades, one for each half of your hair. To ensure your funky hair color is at the center of attention, opt for a simple, sleek lob with thinned-out ends.
'80s energy
Another retro way to rock a lob is by pairing it with wispy straight-across bangs with lots of volume. This hairstyle evokes '80s nostalgia — and to recreate it, you'll need to blow out the lower portion of your bangs towards your forehead while directing the upper portion towards the back of your head. This technique will result in a volumized and feathery look.
Space buns
A lob with space buns is a fun and quirky hairstyle that easily adds a playful and youthful vibe to your look. The whimsical charm of space buns creates an eye-catching look — and the best part about this hairstyle is that it is perfect on hair that is slightly dirty, as the natural oils in your hair hold the style well. The contrast between the sleek lob and the cute, puffy buns brings an unexpected element to your style.
Edgy undercut
If you're looking for a bold and edgy look, a lob with an undercut is an excellent choice. The chic and sophisticated nature of the lob, combined with the ultra-cool and rebellious vibe of the undercut, creates an unexpected fusion ideal for those who love dramatic hair. Whether you prefer a subtle or more daring undercut, this hairstyle allows you to showcase your confidence and individuality.